Land Use & Planning

As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to advocate for public access, equity, environmental sustainability, and community enjoyment of the river. 

Here are the park plans and developments that our river corridor team has its eye on. Learn more about the program, how we evaluate development plans and all the places we work.

Development and land use updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

What the research says about how to stop invasive carp
Where and how are invasive carp moving? Why do we need a bioacoustic fish fence? What about native fish? We tagged along with Dr. Peter Sorensen to the Driftless Area to get firsthand experience of the latest research. Read more
Dr. Peter Sorensen works from a boat on the river
Army Corps study on the future of two metro locks and dams enters new phase
What will the Corps focus on in their years-long study about the future of two metro locks and dams? The release of the Corps scoping documents gives us a picture of what questions they'll investigate — and what could go unanswered. Read more
Lower St. Anthony Falls lock and dam and Ford dam
After another big invasive carp discovery, will the DNR finally act on a barrier?
Large numbers of invasive carp were found congregating at Lock and Dam 5 for the second time since March. Read more
A hand holds an invasive silver carp out of the water.
How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared this session
FMR made progress on every single one of its priorities this legislative session. Here's a roundup of everything that happened. Read more
A collage showing parts of five different photos, all from this legislative session: Two FMR staffers posing with fish postcards in the Capitol; an FMR staffer testifying at a May 1 hearing; A state senator posing with children following a hearing; legislators on a tour at the Forever Green Initiative facilities; printed papers with the FMR logo, shown with the Capitol building in the background.
12 other wins for the Mississippi River from this legislative session
While FMR wasn't leading on these efforts, we were quite happy to see them come out of the Capitol this session. Read more
High river waters in the foreground, flooding a wooded shoreline.
Invasive carp barrier: A strong starting point, but Minnesota needs more — and soon
Invasive carp are on the doorstep of Lake Pepin, the St. Croix River watershed, the Minnesota River watershed and other waterways. Legislature funding gets us moving in the right direction on protection. Read more
FMR staff testifies at Legislature on invasive carp + text: "#MNLEG Final Update"
Lawmakers approve $1M to shed light on St. Anthony Falls’ hidden hazard, the cutoff wall
We'll soon know a lot more about one of the state's most crucial, but overlooked, pieces of infrastructure: the hidden cutoff wall underneath St. Anthony Falls. Read more
St. Anthony Falls during spring high waters
What our spring flood means for Ford Area C
We've been waiting for a river flood to gather more information about the hazards posted by Ford Motor Company's floodplain dumpsite in St. Paul, known as Area C. This year, we'll have new data (and a special tour for our River Guardians). Read more
High water at Ford dam
Action Alert: Tell legislators to support FMR's priorities for the river
The time is now. Tell lawmakers to take action for the river by supporting FMR's priorities this legislative session. Read more
The Capitol building in St. Paul, set against a cloudy sky. Text says "#MNLEG 2023"
Where FMR's 2023 priorities stand at the Legislature
An overview of the progress we've made — and what still needs to happen — as we enter the final weeks of the session. Read more
Looking up at the iconic dome of the Capitol building in St. Paul, against a clear blue sky as backdrop. Text over the image says "FMR's priorities #MNLEG"

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park, Hastings
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis
New date: Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul